Is cow’s milk a good source of iron?
No, cow’s milk is not a good source of iron. Even though cow’s milk has about as much iron as human milk, it isn’t absorbed well by the body. Wait until your baby is 9 to 12 months old before introducing whole cow’s milk. You need to be sure your baby is getting other sources of iron and vitamin C before starting to drink cow’s milk. Drinking too much cow’s milk can lead to iron deficiency. Babies 12 months or older should drink 500 mL to 750 mL of milk each day. You can introduce cow’s milk in a cup. Should I give my baby an iron supplement? • Full-term babies who are breastfed or who get iron-fortified infant formula from birth do not need an iron supplement. • Premature babies should get an iron supplement by the time they are 8 weeks old until their first birthday. • Children over a year old don’t need an iron supplement unless they aren’t eating enough iron-rich foods. Talk to your child’s doctor if you think this is the case.
